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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Rotary Club of Tortola says it is now waiting to hear how international housing organization, Habitat for Humanity, will assist with meeting the housing needs of vulnerable persons in the Territory.
The Rotary Club has partnered with the government to assist vulnerable persons who have lost their homes since the passage of Hurricane Irma.
In October, Rotary called for help from Habitat for Humanity, a Rotary International programme, known for building homes for underprivileged persons in times of disasters.
Rotary District Governor Nominee, Delma Maduro said two of Habitat for Humanity’s representatives, Technical Advisor Dr. Leighton Ellis and Humanitarian Programme Manager Drew Strobel, visited the BVI from November 15 to 18 to assess damages the Territory suffered.
She said the representatives toured some sections of the Territory and met with personnel from public departments, as well as the Assistant Governor, to determine the extent of post-hurricane housing needs in the BVI.
“Where it’s at now, those representatives have returned to make a case for the BVI, so we are waiting to hear exactly how they will be able to assist us,” Maduro explained.
If Habitat for Humanity decides to help the BVI, their builders will be retrained by qualified contractors in the Territory, to ensure that the structures meet the local building requirements.
Their help would be especially appreciated by over 100 persons, who still remain in shelters across the Territory, because they their dwellings were totally wrecked by Hurricane Irma in September.
In the meantime, Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit programme, has used its website to appeal for donations which it intends to help meet housing needs in countries like the BVI.
“Please give generously so we can serve families impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria…” Habitat for Humanity’s website states.
Housing remains a concern in the BVI more than two months after Hurricane Irma, as the storm displaced some 3000 people in the Territory.
